40 Flowers You Can Eat

There are many many flowers that you can enjoy with your eyes and also with your taste buds. Personally, I have only tried a few special flowers, and I cannot say that I would want to rely only upon them, but there is a special joy in the kitchen when you are creating a lovely dish to know and be able to say to your guests that they can eat the flowers too.

The yummiest ways I have ever eaten flowers was deep fried, but I suppose I know why that was.

A word on safety:

Eat flowers that you are sure of, and keep a reference guide handy in case you are not sure.

Eat home grown flowers that are not sprayed with chemicals.

Only eat the petals, not the inside portions.

In this list below, it is the blossom that you can eat. Of course, in some cases like arugula, allium and such there are more edible parts to the flower as well.

The best thing to do if you are really interested is to find a good reference book and go out nibbling.

This list comes from: From True Food: Eight Simple Steps to a Healthier You (National Geographic, 2009) by Annie B. Bond, Melissa Breyer and Wendy Gordon.

Allium blossoms - This includes leeks, chives, garlic, and garlic chives

Angelica flowers

Anise flowers and leaves

Arugula blossoms

Bachelor's button

Basil

Bee balm

Borage

Calendula/Marigold

Carnations

Chamomile

Chervil

Chicory

Chrysanthemum

Cilantro

Citrus blossoms

Clover

Dandelion

Dill

English daisy

Fennel

Fuchsia

Gladiolus

Hibiscus

Hollyhock

Impatiens

Jasmine

Lavender

Lemon Verbena

Lilac

Mint

Nasturtium

Oregano

Pansy

Radish

Rose

Rosemary

Sage

Squash and pumpkin

Sunflower

Violets

With love,

Grandmother's Kitchen

Do you know of any edible flowers not on this list? Have you tried eating any of them yourself?